JUST two runs in, and I think I've already completed the toughest one of the year.
I think I'll struggle to find a more punishing event than the weekend's Tynedale Half Marathon, the hill-riddled course unforgiving on the ol' legs and feet.
Starting and finishing at Tyne Green in Hexham, the route takes you through the villages of Warden, Fourstones and Newbrough, and back on a circular route.
While the views are stunning (they really are and we're blessed in these parts), the roads in and around the area are unrelentingly harsh on runners and cyclists.
However, that all adds to the fun for people seeking a challenge and the route certainly scored thumbs up from participants at the weekend.
Returning after its debut last year, the general mood at the finishing line was one of great relief at completing such a testing run - but, most of all, there was a huge sense of achievement washing over Tyne Green with smiles beaming amidst the aching limbs.
Starting off under the covering of trees which line the riverside path, we were soon over Warden Bridge and on our way to Fourstones.
And the inclines weren't too far away as we needed to call on our energy bank early in to get going.
After negotiating a tough first half of the 13 miles, the cruelest twist, for me, came just before the eight mile mark as the steep bank up from Newbrough arrived just as my legs were telling me they couldn't take much more.
The hill down into Fourstones provided me with the highlight of the run, my journey seeing me having to negotiate a convoy of vintage tractors to cross the road. Where else would you encounter that other than the rural Tyne Valley?!
Having conquered the route, I was chuffed to finish with a time of 1:44.35 which put me 35th in the results sheet. Time can only surely improve once the routes get easier?
Next up, sticking with Run Nation, is the Vindolanda 10K on May 24. The shorter distance definitely appeals, although I have been warned there are bigger hills included!
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Date
Event
Venue
Organisers
Time
Saturday 4th March
Mad March Mare
Hexham Racecourse
Challenge Northumberland
01:06.36
Sunday 14th May
Tynedale Half Marathon
Tyne Green, Hexham
Run Northumberland
01:44:35
Wednesday 24th May
Vindolanda 10K
Vindolanda Roman Fort
Run Northumberland
Wednesday 21st June
Stamfordham 10K
Stamfordham Village Hall
Run Northumberland
Tuesday 27th June
Tynedale 10K
Ovington
Tynedale Harriers
Wednesday 28th June
Kirkley 10K
Kirkley Hall
Run Northumberland
Sunday 16th July
Hexham Half Marathon
Wentworth Leisure Centre
Greg Urwin
Wednesday 19th July
Wallington 10K
Wallington Hall
Run Northumberland
Saturday 29thst July
Mestival
Hesleyside
Events of the North
Sunday 3rd September
Matfen 10K
Matfen
Run Northumberland
Sunday 10th September
Great North Run
Newcastle
Great Run Company
Sunday 24th September
Tynedale Jelly Race
Hexham Racecourse
Tynedale Harriers
Sunday 1st October
Prudhoe Miners' Race
Front Street, Prudhoe
Run Northumberland
Saturday 11th November
Prudhoe Riverside parkrun anniversary
Prudhoe Riverside Country Park
Volunteers
Sunday 8th October
Kielder Half Marathon
Kielder Water
Northumbrian Water
Sunday 26th November
Big 10 Miler
Kirkley Hall
Run Northumberland
TRAINING MILES
January
31.8
February
54.9
March
58.2
April
55.2
May
27.4
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